Being on the Receiving Side of Hospice
Once we get up the courage to call hospice, we want to see you immediately. Actually, we needed to see you, hear your guidance and advice, and receive your services yesterday. Families...
Something to Think About: a blog on end of life
caring for someone at end of life
When Our Emotions Blind Us From What Is Happening
I knew all the signs of approaching death, of labor beginning. What I didn’t know was how much we don’t want to see those signs, and by not wanting to see them,...
What Do I Do? Mom Has Progressive Cancer and is Refusing Hospice
Tell her honestly what you are feeling and ask for help. Just FYI: she can sign on for hospice and if she felt she needed to go to the emergency...
As Unique As Each Death Is, There Are Also Commonalities
When we begin the gradual dying process our personality tends to intensify. If we are an angry person we will get angrier. If we have a gentle personality we will...
"I'm So Angry That He's Sick!"
Anger in caregiving generally comes from a place of frustration, of fear, of sadness, of tiredness. All sorts of feelings with no outlet so they come bursting out.
What Do You Do When Words Become Meaningless?
I think we healthcare workers rely on our words as our offering. Explanations, suggestions, instructions, even using words to offer condolences and trying to comfort. And yes, words are a...
Caregiving Is Love
In those last five months I tried for us to live in the present, to build good memories, to love, give and live in the moment...
END OF LIFE CARE- Providing Education, Support and Guidance
Dying is not a medical event. Dying is a communal, social event. Nursing and physicians are part of care, but not the all encompassing focus. The main focus of end...
Caring for a Mom With Multiple Medical Issues
When the medical establishment has used all of their options to extend life of course we will not be happy with life and living. We may be depressed, angry, often...
Caregiver Support Group As An End of Life Doula
Getting the word to caregivers that there is such a thing as a support group may be challenging. You might talk with church groups, case managers, hospital discharge planners, and...
The Challenge of a Loved One Who is Dying
Deciding not to “tell mom she can’t be fixed" takes away that gift. Who are we (yes, even family) to determine what a person needs to or does not need...
The Three Signs of Approaching Death From Disease or Old Age
Know that all of these signs of approaching death, whether indicating months or weeks, are just guideposts. Some people will show all of them...